A fellow student is studying the differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The student asks you to explain how cellular respiration uniquely contributes to the carbon cycle. In 3–5 sentences, describe the different ways that both photosynthesis and cellular respiration contribute to the carbon cycle.(4 points)
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Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration play important roles in the carbon cycle. During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct. This process helps in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and contributes to the carbon cycle by storing carbon in plant tissues. On the other hand, cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as a byproduct of breaking down glucose for energy. This process completes the carbon cycle by recycling carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, making it available for plants to undergo photosynthesis again. So, while photosynthesis stores carbon, cellular respiration releases it, ensuring a balance in the carbon cycle.
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